Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Israh Azizi's first Heroes of the Empire series book, Velamir, a Chishman Academy student, confronts mortality on a perilous mission with three peers that becomes a reckoning of his past. Natassa, the emperor's daughter, plans to escape from an unwanted marriage, risking her life for freedom. In the second book, The General, Mordon's devotion shatters after a merciless Tariqin onslaught. Captured and thrust into a war camp among former adversaries, he is presented with an unexpected opportunity by the enemy and faces an unprecedented trial. Meanwhile, Coralie bears the weight of her kingdom's stability following a brutal assault and her uncle's ailing health. She seeks aid from unlikely allies in Verintown, risking all to secure her realm's survival against an imminent Tariqin resurgence.

Israh Azizi shows us that the second book in a series, when written well, can be just as triumphant in how it pulls its readers in as the first, and The General is proof of this. One of the most important aspects as we see two leads growing into themselves, their roles, and what they are destined to be is that they feel organic and unforced. Mordon's decision to help an injured Savorian during the training exercise hints at the battles within as we see the possibility of redemption despite his troubled past. Coralie's response to the fears of her staff juxtaposes her determination with her vulnerability as she acknowledges their doubts and vows to protect the kingdom. Velamit and Natassa's storylines also grow, and Azizi goes hard with emotional responses, particularly when questions of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice emerge. Overall, this is a fantastic read that ends with the promise of more to come, and I look forward to seeing where we go next.

Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite

Vermilion Sunrise is a YA sci-fi novel by Lydia P. Brownlow. Seventeen-year-old Leigh Crawford wakes up to find that she’s no longer on Earth. Along with other teenagers, all under twenty, she has traveled light years to another planet called Marjol. The video information on the spaceship transporting them explains that they had volunteered to colonize Marjol and were the third group to land. They had been traveling in cryosleep, which preserved them so that they hardly aged but erased their most recent memories, including that of volunteering. Leigh’s first reaction is disbelief, and she’s determined to return home until she realizes it took almost 22 Earth years to make the trip and probably the same to go back—if she even can. She realizes that Marjol is her new home, and she’ll likely never see Earth or her family again. Determined to embrace her new reality, she’s eager to meet the other teenagers. As they spend more time on the planet, she and the others realize they may not be alone and that some things they’ve been told are lies.

Vermilion Sunrise is a fantastic book, like a hybrid of The 100 and Maze Runner. Brownlow’s detailed plot and worldbuilding are commendable. Her description of Marjol, with its three moons and orange sun, was so vivid that I had no trouble visualizing it. I also loved how each character had their traits; this made them memorable even though there were many. For example, I could always count on Olu as the calm voice of reason, especially when tensions heightened. Michele had her Maori adages, and Noah, the easygoing Aussie, loved surfing. The diverse cast was all very relatable and resilient, doing their best on an alien planet with the little they had. I connected so much with them that I always got anxious about their safety, especially when they went on expeditions or sustained injuries. A slow burner, Vermilion Sunrise is an excellent introduction to the rest of the series as it answers many questions as the story goes on but leaves you eager for more by the end.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

A fire occurred in the house of two sisters, Periwinkle and Aster. Then, fourteen-year-old Winkle and nine-year-old Aster found themselves among incredible creatures of many kinds in a strange, almost colorless world named the Ember Lands. These monsters were searching for the Abyssal Vine, a plant that would make them immortal. The Vine is also the only hope for Winkle and Aster to return home from the Ember Lands. The sisters befriended an alakdan named Hooyip. This self-proclaimed hero had a noble goal to protect the Ember Lands from the monsters that kept entering through the black fires' portals, just like Winkle and Aster did. The girls start their trip with many adventures, unexpected encounters, and amazing discoveries ahead. Winkle and Aster by Derek Corsaro is a fascinating read for young adult fans of urban fantasy and readers of any age who enjoy magical realism and adventure.

Winkle and Aster is an urban fantasy novel like no other I have ever read. Derek Corsaro built a surreal world inhabited by unusual dwellers. "But I suppose people should try to understand those who are a little unique," says Deborah, one of the unforgettable secondary characters in Winkle and Aster. It's the main message of the book. We should be kinder and more understanding to those who differ from us, like the wonderful little Aster with her great potential or Periwinkle, who has bonded with the mythological creatures. Winkle and Aster is a coming-of-age story, and we follow the significant development of the main characters through the many serious challenges they face. Also, it is a touching story of true friendship and self-sacrifice which should be on the shelf of every young adult reader. I liked the elements of mild horror and rich imagery in Winkle and Aster. This book would make a great movie because of the expressive narrative and vibrant visual elements created by this gifted author.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Rogues of the Crosslands: Azoria's Blade is a young adult epic fantasy novel by John Daze. Azoria Dash, a twelve-year-old elfin child, survives a brutal massacre of her village by orcs, losing her father and everyone she cares about. Armed with an ancient Klarion sword and seeking revenge, she sets off toward the dangerous Crosslands, where she is rescued by a mysterious shadow ranger named Jandar. Slowly, Azoria learns to use her abilities and discovers that Jandar is her uncle. With the help of her allies, Azoria must prepare for a daring mission to rescue her childhood friends. Meanwhile, the orcs are getting ready for an invasion under the orders of the Sorceress Queen. Will Azoria and her friends survive their confrontation with the orcs? Will she be able to temper her quest for vengeance?

Author John Daze offers fantasy lovers a meticulously crafted new world to sink their teeth into. Rogues of the Crosslands: Azoria's Blade is action-packed, filled with vibrant characters, unforeseen reveals, and fantastical lore. Daze puts readers into the scheme of things from the get-go, and the plot never loses its breakneck pace until the end. The world-building is simply phenomenal, with a prime focus on the lay of the land and the in-universe mythology. There's a certain authentic feel to the atmosphere that Daze brings to the narrative, which makes it immersive and riveting to read. Each character is distinct and adds to the dynamic within Azoria's group. Azoria is a precocious child with some naivety and prejudices, which only makes her more believable as a person. Overall, this is a fantastic book for young adult fantasy readers.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Firesight by Jessica Deen Norris is the first book in the Dragon Guardian Chronicles. Everyone expected the arrival of the Dragon Guardian to create harmony within the world, but in a world where Shadow Knights are in search of a particular type of mage, this is not the case. Tiber’s family wasn’t powerful but that did not stop his parents from being killed by the emperor and completely changing his world. His only goal now is to stay hidden until he can devise a plan to avenge his family. He never expected the opportunity to show itself after meeting the mysterious Luci nor did he expect to bond with a young dragon. His new friends will help him as he uncovers surprising secrets and discovers a plan the Shadows have in store for him.

The fantasy comes to life through fine attention to detail that creates an engaging and dangerous environment for Tiber’s adventure. Fantasy elements are important to establish the arc of Tiber’s journey and a variety of beings populate the world such as knights, Shadows, dragons, and mages. The premise is set for Tiber with a hero’s journey to fulfill. Friendship is important to the growth of Tiber’s character and the people he meets help him understand the growth he needs to experience. Characters such as Luci embrace him with support, humor, and guidance in interactions that give heart to the story. An adorable dragon bound to quickly steal your heart is a wholesome and endearing character who sneezes smoke and has a genuine bond with Tiber. The pace is quick with Tiber always trying to stay a step ahead. Balancing out the physical adventure of good versus evil is an emotional arc that is beautifully incorporated. Firesight by Jessica Deen Norris is a story of self-discovery, friendship, and good vs. evil in an adventure that is captivating, humorous, and appealing.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Warlock’s Curse by C.B. Oresky finds two sisters drawn into an epic adventure after they move to a new house. When their parents move them into a rundown house, Clara and Angelica never expected that they would embark on the most extraordinary journey of their lives, taking them away from the bullying and judgmental sneers of the locals. Their adventure begins in the house they now call home where they meet ghosts and discover an ancestor’s secret access to another realm. Uncovering the secret sends them on an epic voyage where they encounter creatures of all kinds including unicorns, demons, and whales. In a fantasy come to life, the sisters train like warriors only to discover this is to prepare them to do battle against the evil agenda of a warlock.

The relationship between the sisters is at the heart of the story, taking on every aspect of the adventure together. Despite their closeness, their relationship is not perfect with the friction between them typical of real sibling dynamics. The incorporation of sisterly spats adds authenticity to the story and grounds the fantastical elements in reality. Despite their disagreements, the sisters work as a team and keep each other going, no matter what they encounter. They both find excitement in the adventure as it takes them away from their dreary lives and fulfills Clara’s wish for them to be superstars. Familial troubles are woven throughout, creating more reasons for them to want to go to another realm. The house creates the opportunity for their adventures and has a ghostly presence that connects them to their ancestors.

C.B. Oresky blends magic and adventure with an old Victorian house, a door to another realm, demons, ghosts, and travel by ship. The writing style brings this world to life with phrasing that adds a fantasy element. The Warlock’s Curse is a spellbinding adventure with magic, fighting, voyages, demons, and ghosts in a story that will capture children’s attention and draw them into an epic journey of imagination.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

When Shawn woke up inside a moving carriage with no recollections of the last few days, his first thought was that someone had kidnapped him. Yet, did kidnappers use horse-drawn carriages and dress like they were from a different era? Shawn’s confusion escalated when they brought him to a school, of all places. Which school kidnapped their students and hosted an orientation ceremony that involved a beheading? As an institute that taught dead teenagers how to become proficient reapers and harvest souls, life in Wayward Academy was a deviation from what Shawn had considered normal. He decided to give this ‘life’ a chance until all hell broke loose when his first reaping assignment went awry. Read The First Assignment by Billy Kramer to find out what happens to Shawn.

With its intriguing premise, this young adult novel will surely appeal to anyone who loves fantasy and paranormal reads. The unique storyline immediately grabbed my attention. Kramer did a marvelous job with world-building, delineating the intricacies of the reaper community. An entire academy with its three interconnected factions and strict guidelines made for an interesting read. Kramer wasted no time diving headfirst into a complicated tale full of secrets, grudges, and betrayals. I liked how Kramer portrayed a grim subject like death in a new light. While the depressing job took its toll on the recently deceased teens, some spark of life still burned bright during this second chance. Teenage jubilance and humor, interspersed with grief and uncertainties, created a rare medley that prompted us to think about our purpose. If one missed the opportunity to make a difference while alive, shouldn’t one grab the chance to do so even when dead? I rooted for Shawn throughout his battle with death. The action scenes kept me glued to pages, the tension mounting high with each passing second. The First Assignment is a fantastic start to a promising new series, and I cannot wait to read the sequels.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Boy King’s Tale: True Adventure of the Young Life of England’s King Edward III by Michael January takes us back on a journey to medieval England at the beginning of the fourteenth century, told through the narrative of the eminent Royal Court Poet, none other than Geoffrey Chaucer. When Edward II is accused of unnatural acts by Queen Isobel, she, in concert with her lover, Mortimer, move against the king and seek his removal. The teenage Edward III is appointed as the “boy king”, with his mother as the Regent and the true power behind the throne, the evil Mortimer who has plans and designs on the throne for his own family. Forced to grow up quickly and accept the mantle thrust upon him from an early age, Edward III is determined to rule justly, honestly and with honor, adhering to the tenets of the great Charter signed by King John. In a country wracked by wars and division between the nobles, steering his own path with his limited powers as a minor will be a difficult task for the young king. Unusually for the time, Edward manages to make a love match for his marriage to the beautiful Philippa, cousin of the French king. Despite this being a marriage of love, it still gives Edward the opportunity to strive for the French crown to add to that of England’s. But he will soon discover he has enough battles to fight at home. Between fending off the evil intent of Mortimer and the acquiescence of his beloved mother, it will be a battle just to maintain the crown of England until he reaches his majority and outright rule.

I am a gigantic fan of historical novels deeply rooted in factual history and The Boy King’s Tale is certainly that. Author Michael January made an exceptional choice to tell the tale through the eyes of Geoffrey Chaucer, as this lent some real gravitas to the story and one could be forgiven for thinking one was reading a history book. The story is redolent with the intrigues, battles, and psychological warfare that was so typical of the day. Beautifully written and easy to read, the story flows easily from one drama to the next. The two main characters, in my opinion, were Edward III and Philippa, and both were drawn superbly by the author. In an era known for arranged marriages aimed at shoring up existing alliances and forging new ones, it was so refreshing to see two young people so in love and so devoted to each other. Edward’s morality and sense of honor, despite the betrayal and wickedness that surrounded him, shone through and it was enlightening for the time and allowed the reader to deeply empathize with his turmoil. His relationship with his mother, whom he loved dearly, would be deeply tested by the travails that would assail the king as he fought to maintain his crown against all the odds. For anyone that loves tales of knights, derring-do, and chivalry, this is a fantastic read but for anyone who just enjoys a rollicking good story, this is a book I can highly recommend.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Praesidium is a work of fiction in the adventure subgenre and serves as the opening installment of the Shadows in the Wind series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author McKinley Aspen. The book follows college graduate Kathryn Bek as she takes an intelligence job in New York which quickly reveals itself to be something above and beyond her expectations. Thrown into a complex web of intrigue and magic, Kathryn finds herself on a globe-trotting adventure to save the world from the sinister plotting of the Paolucci crime family in a mission that will force her to confront her own murky past in order to save the future.

The characters and story of this book waste no time whatsoever in sinking their hooks deep into readers and keeping them on the edge of their seats as Kathryn delves deeper and deeper into the dangerous and fantastical world that awaits her. Author McKinley Aspen is a deft and clever storyteller, constantly finding new twists and turns to keep the narrative fresh with page after page as the lore designed reveals itself to character and reader alike. I was impressed by how narratively complete the events of the book were, telling a full and satisfying story whilst effectively setting the stage for a larger series to follow. Overall, Praesidium is an excellent adventure that creates a colorful cast of characters and pits them against a deep conspiracy in a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat right from the word go. I’m excited for the future of the series and I cannot recommend this book enough.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

A heart-warming, coming-of-age story, The Girl with 35 Names by DJ Colbert follows Molly, a girl with a kind heart and special gifts. Molly is born in Zhitomir, a small village in Russia, in the cold winter of 1892. Surrounded by relatives and friends, Molly is given thirty-five names of women whose legacies she will carry forward. One day as she works with her parents, Molly discovers her great-grandmother’s special spectacles. As she grows up, Molly becomes curious about what each name given to her means. As she runs errands for her mother, she soon discovers the amazing stories of the women whose names she carries. Life continues beautifully until war comes to Zhitomir. At this point, Molly must escape Russia for America, with her new husband whom she barely knows. But her kindness and courage continue even in the new land.

The Girl with 35 Names by DJ Colbert instills kindness through its main character, Molly, who uses her gifts to help other people. In America, her role in the community is unforgettable as she changes the lives of those around her. Her curiosity to understand the meaning of each name given to her is also encouraging. Molly begins to understand what each name means and learns from the roles of these other women, which serves as a source of strength for Molly in her journey. The story is set in a beautiful, picturesque village as it begins. As the Red Army moves into the village and rumors of another war escalate, the atmosphere changes. Still, the frightening experiences bring out Molly’s courage as she and her husband face terrifying challenges along the way. The work’s language and tone are also accessible to young readers. The Girl with 35 Names is an absorbing story based on true events and whose main character is inspiring.